Township of Rockaway DRAFT Highlands Element for Municipal ...

DRAFT Highlands Element to the Rockaway Township Master Plan November 2010
5. To require that conservation or land stewardship easements imposed during the
course of development applications be enforceable by the Highlands Council and at
least one of the following entities, as qualified and amenable in accordance with the
particular circumstances: the Township, the County Agriculture Development
Board, the SADC, Green Acres, or a non-profit land trust organized pursuant to § 501
(c)(3) of the federal tax code and engaged in the protection of land for the purpose
of providing long-term stewardship of land resources.
6. To establish a stewardship and monitoring program for preserved lands owned by
or dedicated to the Township. This objective may be accomplished with the
assistance of a non-profit land trust organized pursuant to § 501 (c)(3) of the
federal tax code and engaged in the protection of land for the purpose of providing
long-term stewardship of land resources.
7. To develop and implement a Forest Management Plan or Forest Stewardship Plan
consistent with the standards of the NJ Forest Stewardship Program for application
to municipally-owned forest lands.
8. To ensure periodic monitoring of easement restrictions protecting Critical Habitat
Areas, associated species and ecological communities from any changes in land use
or management practices that would impair these resources.
9. To implement Riparian Area restoration practices on Preserved Lands that give
priority to ecological and watershed protection measures.
10. To identify and preserve opportunities for outdoor recreation, including a variety of
active and passive recreation options, in such locations and in such manner as to
ensure environmental resource protections, while addressing the needs of the local
population for physical activity, social interaction, connection with nature and the
natural environment, and enjoyment of the outdoors.
11. To promote the Right to Farm Act and to incorporate land use regulations that are
consistent with and further its intents and purposes.
12. To promote the long-term viability of the local agricultural industry by promoting
and utilizing existing county, state, and federal agriculture related programs and
developing land use regulations and programs where appropriate, in support of
direct marketing, organic farming, niche markets, agri-tourism initiatives such as
farmers’ markets and roadside stands (located on or off the site of an active farm),
ancillary business opportunities, community supported agriculture, and other such
projects, programs, or activities.
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